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Students walk down the Lashuk Passage — a high-traffic thoroughfare between CCIS and the Earth Sciences Building. Photo by John Ulan.

Imagine a rock, billions of years old, unearthed by a student on an expedition. For Paulette and Tony Lashuk, reading about this incredible find wasn’t just a story about the value of experiential learning. It was a pivotal moment in their philanthropic journey with the º£½ÇÉçÇø. And those commitments led them down an unexpected path of friendship and purpose.

Back in 2009, the central Alberta couple had already made the decision to include the º£½ÇÉçÇø in their will. But it was an invitation to the annual Quaecumque Vera Honour Society (QVHS) luncheon, a gathering for those planning estate gifts, that opened their eyes to the impact of their generosity.

“We weren’t quite sure what to expect,” admits Tony. Apprehension quickly dissolved as they found themselves among a “community of like-minded people,” bound by a shared belief in the power of education. The QVHS events have allowed them to connect with others interested in learning and scientific advancement. Beyond conversations and camaraderie, they’ve forged lasting friendships and met some of Canada’s brightest scientific minds. These gatherings have also illuminated the tangible impact their future gift will have on research and innovation.

The Lashuks have made a variety of gifts to the university to support their goal of inspiring achievements in learning, discovery, innovation and leadership for a better world. But it was that story of a student’s discovery — a four-billion-year-old rock unearthed during the university’s donor-supported geology field school in Northern Canada — that resonated with Paulette. Inspired by the impact that hands-on learning experiences provide, the Lashuks decided to support experiential learning by starting the Anthony and Paulette Lashuk Science Endowment. Their gift will support experiential learning now and for generations to come.